Insecurity: Gunmen abduct immigration officer in Benue, demand N20 Million ransom
Insecurity: Gunmen abduct immigration officer in Benue, demand N20 Million ransom
By Idun Maximus
The renewed insecurity in Benue State is not abating as gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, have reportedly abducted an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Benue State Command, identified as Simon Agbo.
AbeyaNews gathered that the victim was serving in Kwara State before he was redeployed to Benue State command in February this year.
A close relation of the victim who disclosed this to newsmen on phone on Monday in Makurdi, said the officer was kidnapped at his residence in Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
The relative said Agbo was discussing with two of his neighbours, Sunday night at about 7:15pm when the gunmen stormed the house and took him away.
He said the incident happened opposite NKST Church Kuan, behind Modern Market in Makurdi, after the kidnappers stormed the compound, kidnaped him at gunpoint and took him to unknown destination.
The relative who didn’t want to be named for fear of attack, said when the gunmen came, they started firing gunshots indiscriminately to scare family members and neighbours of the victim before abducting him from his residence.
Upon hearing his abduction, youths in the whole community in collaboration with local vigilantes immediately launched a search throughout the night but the gunmen were far gone.
A younger brother of the victim, who identified himself as Mr. Agbo said one of the victim’s neighbours have been apprehended in connection with kidnapping because his role before the incident took place.
He narrated to newsmen that the neighbour was consistently calling on the victim to come home or he should direct him to his location as at that time, that they needed to see that fateful Sunday night by all means.
“After persistent calls, that my brother should come home or if possible, describe his whereabout, then, my brother came home and went straight to that his neighbour’s compound.
“While they were at the compound discussing, another of their neighbours came to join them and all of a sudden, the gunmen arrived the compound and immediately went straight to the immigration officer, picked only him at gunpoint, leaving the remaining two people behind.
“The neighbour’s action looks very suspicious and that is why we called for his arrest. He has been arrested and currently in police custody until our brother is released.
“As I speak with you, the kidnappers have opened discussion with the family. They are demanding for N20 million ransom for his release as at today”, he said.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS could not be reached for comment as at the time of filing this report.
